WOVI, Frisco Upcoming Events

I belong to a women's mentoring/networking group called Women of Visionary Influence, WOVI. I attend the Frisco chapter meetings. We meet the 4th Monday of every month at Blue Mesa Grill.

I have had the privledge of booking the speakers for this first part of the year.

Last night I was delighted to meet Courtney Warren, a social worker turned card designer. She and her presentation were as bubbly and delightful as her cards. Courtney encouraged us to slow down and communicate our love to family and friends. She even gave us a couple of her new Valentine cards to give to loved ones.

I enjoy attending WOVI meetings because WOVI isn't your typical surface-level networking group. At the end of each presentation the women at each table, share their answers to a question about the presentation. Everyone provides feedback. These are called "mento-rings" and they really allow women to connect both professionally and personally.

Everyone is invited to attend the WOVI meetings. Here are some of the other speakers who will be presenting this year.

March - Karon Karter, author of “The Six-Week Bikini Countdown. Karon will share tips on how to get your best, healthy body.

“What you think is what you feel, and what you feel is what you radiate through the gift of living your best, dare I say, sexier life — and what woman wouldn’t what that?” shares Karter.

April - Jenny Hander, author of “A Place of Peace.” In her topic, “Rose Colored Glasses,” which was inspired by her young daughter’s pink prescription glasses, women will learn to see “good”—no matter what circumstances life may bring.

Women will learn three key messages through Jenny’s “Rose Colored Glasses”
Losing sight – how challenging circumstances can strike you off course
Tiring of the darkness – realizing that you want and deserve better
Seeing Clearly – learning to regain focus on your hopes and dreams

May - Mary DeMuth - Abundant Parenting

Abundant parents get an ACTIVITY adjustment.
Abundant parents learn the importance of AUTHENTICITY.
Abundant parents are alive in the moment; they are AWARE.

What's your favorite business networking group?

Media Hits!

I've had 4 amazing media hits for my client, Plano Aesthetics, this month. Four major media hits all in one month, with another segment scheduled as well. I hope I don't have a long dry spell with them after all these media hits!

Here they are...


WFAA, January 19, 2009 (ABC)
Wrinkle treatment uses no toxins

CBS11, January 14, 2000
N. Texas Doc Performing Unique Water Liposuction

WB33, January 13, 2009
Relaxed Expressions, The alternative to Botox

WB33, January 12, 2009
Water Liposuction

Using Special Events to Draw Publicity

Back in December, the Dallas Morning News ran a story from New York Times about small businesses using creative special events to draw publicity.

This is a brilliant and cost effective marketing technique to draw business.

Here's some things the store owners who were featured are doing to attract customers:

Deborah Reese, owner of Seventh Goddess lingerie shop in Albuquerque, NM:

• Opted not to increase her advertising budget this year for the first time since she opened the shop four years ago.
• She's developed a new Facebook page and is encouraging employee blogs.
• Coordinated a "Sex and the City pajama party" in which customers sat on pillows for manicures and facials.
• Erotic poetry reading on Valentine's Day.
• The owner says, "People who ordinarily wouldn't come, come. You just have to spring for the munchies and drinks."

The result? The parties boosted sales. Dozens of pajamas sold at the PJ event.

Mary Hughes, owner of Mary's Futons, San Rafael, Calif.

• Coordinated a comedy show, using her futons as the seating! "An Evening of Lie-Down Comedy"

The first show sold out. So they added another show and it sold out as well.

These are brilliant and effect publicity campaigns.

Need a creative mind to brainstorm some fun events to draw customers to your place of business? Contact me at lori at lb publicrelations dot com. I'd love to help!

You can read the entire story in the Dallas Morning News here.

You Know You're a WAHM

Fellow WAHM, Karen Plumley, a freelance writer shared this with me.

You know you're a WAHM when...

"The kids are running around the house banging and screaming. The TV is on full blast. Husband has taken over the computer to play a video game. And you're attempting to talk with a client on the cell phone...with a weak signal...buried in the walk-in closet under a mound of clothes so you can hear. Been there, done that, many, many, many times."

Visit Karen's website.

To submit your WAHM story please contact me at lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

Lori Bittenbender Public Relations 2008 Year in Review

I'm taking advantage of the slower work week to do some New Year's de-cluttering. I went through our entire house and filled 6 bags of items and donated them to Goodwill. Gotta donate them for the 2008 taxes!

Yesterday I tackled my desk. I'm enjoying the clean, organized energy.

I went through my filing cabinets and tossed a ton of paper work. Shredded a ton of stuff. Most things are electronically filed today anyway.

My bookcase is cleaned and organized.

This morning I updated my 2008 taxes.

I'm ready to start 2009!

But before we head there, here's a look at what I accomplished for my clients in 2008.

• I secured almost 50 media hits!
• Posted close to 170 blogs.
• Created and distributed more than 30 electronic newsletters.

I've only lost 1 client due to the economy, but gained three more!

God has truly blessed me and my family. I'm so thankful to be able to work from home and still be with my daughter.

Here's to a successful 2009!

You Know You're a WAHM

You know you’re a WAHM…

Whew! A series of events happened all at once yesterday. Things get done with a WAHM, just not in the traditional sense of working 8 – 5, behind a desk while the kids are with a care-provider.

• I’m experiencing my first sinus infection with throbbing pain in my numb, sensitive teeth. The pain radiates up to my cheekbones, temple and ear.
• I get a call from a colleague/client who is on vacation. She needs my emergency help to coordinate some interview questions for a reporter and the client I assist her with. I’m glad to help out.
• I leave messages with both the reporter and client.
• My daughter breaks out in hives for the 5th time in 3-days and the doctor says to call their office if it happens again. I call the office. They have an appointment in 45 minutes. I vow to make it.
• I look out the garage and hubby has the truck with the car seat.
• Get me and daughter bundled up.
• Call fitness center and ask them to tell hubby to come home.
• Race out the door with daughter and instructions to have reporter/client call my cell phone.
• Have to cover the seat with a random towel in the car because of hubby’s sweat puddle.
  Make it to the doctor appointment.
• Make it back home. In laws have arrived and let them admire the daughter while I check voicemails and emails.
• Reporter’s deadline is immediate so I call client and get questions answered.
• Type up responses and send them to reporter.
• Call colleague/client who is on vacation to tell her all it well and reporter should have everything she needs to complete her story.
• Go give daughter hugs and kisses for bed. Daddy and in-laws have done bath and book duty.
  
  Whew! Made it!

You Know You're a WAHM

When your daughter, who is not quite 2, announces to her play group that she has a meeting.

She's not even 2 and knows the word "meeting!"

When mommy has a meeting Daddy and daughter get to eat "fun" food like Sonic or chicken strips and baked beans.

I feel very blessed that my work breaks can include play time with other kids and moms.

Have a "You Know You're a WAHM" story? I'll be glad to share it along with a link to your website and your photo/logo. Email your story to me for consideration: lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.